Glass

Glass Terminology

LoE²-270

LoE²-270 glass delivers year-round comfort in most types of weather. Offering a balance of high clarity and low solar heat gain, LoE²-270 is standard in most Kolbe products. In summer, it rejects the sun's heat and damaging UV rays. In winter, it reflects heat back into the room.

Customers placing orders, with LoE-270, containing annealed and tempered products, will receive LoE-270 on the annealed glass units and LoE-272 on tempered units. The LoE coating of 272, for tempered units, will provide the closest match in function and visibility to the LoE-270 annealed units.

LoE³-366

For warm climates, LoE³-366 delivers a balance of solar control and high visibility. This coating helps provide protection of fading, blocking up to 95% of the sun’s damaging rays.

LoE³-340

The solar performance of LoE³-340 glass is unprecedented in a double pane unit, with no room-darkening tint required. With an SHGC of just 0.18, it greatly reduces oppressive solar heat gain. And, wherever glare is a problem, LoE³-340 controls that as well. Then, when the cold weather rolls around, its low U-factor reduces indoor heat loss. This results in year-round comfort in warm climates.

LoE-180

When the weather turns frigid, LoE-180 glass is the perfect cold remedy. It keeps homes warmer and more comfortable by blocking heat loss to the outside and letting the sun's heat stream in to increase solar heat gain.

Argon Gas

Argon gas is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic, naturally-occurring element that is inert, meaning it will not react with other elements or gasses. Because argon gas has a thermal conductivity 30% lower than air, the use of argon gas in a LoE coated insulated glass unit allows it to provide for an incremental improvement to the overall U-factor of the unit. For increased energy efficiency, argon is supplied, at no additional cost, in all LoE coated insulated glass units, with the exception of those units with glass dimensions less than 14" x 14" or units that require capillary/breather tubes due to being shipped over or installed in high altitude elevations. Units constructed without argon gas will have higher U-values.

High altitude situations occur when Kolbe double pane insulated glass units are shipped over or installed in areas that begin at 5000 feet above sea level. For triple pane insulated glass units, high altitude begins at 3500 feet above sea level. To find the energy performance for units in high altitude situations, use our energy database and select Air as the fill option for double or triple pane glass.

Tempered Glass

In doors, all panes are tempered for safety. Windows may be ordered tempered as well, which may be required due to the glass size and/or to meet local building codes. If broken, tempered glass shatters into small fragments rather than large, sharp shards.

Heat-strengthening and glass tempering are processes of heating annealed glass to approximately 1200° F (650° C) and then rapidly cooling it with air. The resultant piece of glass is approximately two to four times stronger than a piece of annealed glass. This increased strength is the result of permanently locking the outer surface molecules of the glass in compression and the center portion in compensating tension. When LoE tempered glass is required, because of the tempering process, specially formulated LoE coatings are used to match annealed glass coatings. Kolbe will supply tempered glass products that closest match in function and visibility to the standard annealed products supplied.

Thermal Efficiency

Inert gas dissipates over the life of the insulated glass unit. Kolbe does not warrant the amount or percentage of argon present in insulating glass or a specific level of unit thermal efficiency at any time after manufacture. Visit our energy database to select and view your specific window and its listed energy performance values.

Thermo-Edge Spacers

Kolbe’s standard glass offerings are complemented by a state-of–the-art, stainless steel spacer bar system on most units. The advanced design of this system incorporates a stainless steel spacer with airtight bent corners and a dual-seal construction of compressed polyisobutylene (PIB) and silicone. Desiccants are contained in the spacer to eliminate the potential for moisture. These features combine to reduce the thermal transmission through the edge seal, creating better energy performance and increasing the roomside glass temperature while reducing the potential for condensation at the sash to glass interface as compared to aluminum spacer designs. Thermo-Edge spacers are one of the many quality details that define Kolbe windows and doors. Thermo-Edge spacers are not available on very small radius units, units with ½" insulated glass, with the Champagne or Dark Bronze Anodized spacer option, units with "pencil" bar grilles-in-the-airspace, or true divided lites. Available in stainless steel (standard) and black painted.

NOTE: LoE²-270 and other LoE coatings are trademarks of Cardinal IG; visit the Cardinal IG website for in-depth information about glass.

Standard - Double Pane Glass

Double pane glass is standard for most Kolbe products. Size and other limitations may apply. Door glass is always tempered for safety. Window glass may be tempered, and may be required for large glass sizes and/or to meet local building codes. For information about optional LoE coatings, tempered glass with LoE coatings, or exceptions to argon gas, please expand Glass Terminology above.

Option - ThermaPlus Coating

ThermaPlus is an optional interior coating that can be applied to help meet the strictest energy requirements, helping provide protection against heat loss and UV damage

Double pane insulating glass unit

LoE²-270

Argon gas

ThermaPlus coating on indoor surface

Thermo-Edge, stainless steel spacer bars

Door glass is always tempered for safety. Window glass may be tempered, and may be required for large glass sizes and/or to meet local building codes. For information about optional LoE coatings, tempered glass with LoE coatings, or exceptions to argon gas, please expand Glass Terminology above.

Option - Laminated Glass

Laminated glass in one or all panes adds safety, security, sound control, and the ultimate in UV blockage

Double pane insulating glass unit

LoE coating options

Argon gas

Thermo-Edge, stainless steel spacer bars

Laminated glass (i.e. Two pieces of glass fused together with a plastic interlayer)

Limitations for using laminated glass may apply if products must meet specific impact or design pressure ratings. Construction and structural modifications may be required to meet building codes. For information about LoE coatings, tempered glass with or without LoE coatings, or exceptions to argon gas, please expand Glass Terminology above.

NOTES: Other patterns may be available by special order. Rain glass is not available with PDL bars on the obscure glass surface. Ratings for products with obscure or wired glass and/or stained glass shall be deemed to be equivalent to the ratings for clear glass (NFRC 200 Section 4.5.G).

Option - Neat Glass

Neat® glass goes through a special sputter-coating process to make the exterior surface ultra smooth. Water "sheets off" more readily than it would on uncoated glass, helping rinse away dirt, and therefore requiring less cleaning time (view video).

NOTE: Not available on units with specialty glass on surface #1 or 2.

Option - Preserve Protective Film

Preserve™ is an optional, protective film that protects glass from scratches during transit and construction, as well as helping to reduce the time involved in job site clean-up.

NOTE: Not available on single-glazed units, units with true divided lites or other small insulating glass units, or some types of decorative glass. Contact your local Kolbe dealer for more information.

Divided Lites

Option - The PDL System for Ultra, Heritage & Classic Series Products

The Performance divided lite (PDL) system uses a single insulating glass unit, which offers much better U-factors than true divided lite units. This is due to the large, unobstructed thermal break created by airflow within the insulating glass unit.

Wood bars are adhered to the interior of the insulating glass unit*

Aluminum, beveled-profile bars are adhered to the exterior*

Champagne-colored bars are held within the insulating glass unit

*Some intricate designs and coastal applications may require a composite material for the exterior PDL bars and are not coated with fluoropolymer finish.

PDL bars

Exterior & interior bars are finished to match the exterior or interior of the window or door unit

NOTE: Double pane insulating glass have one bar within the insulating glass unit, as shown above. Triple pane insulating glass have two bars, one in each airspace. Limitations may apply, especially to curved bars.

Option - True Divided Lites for Heritage Series Products

True divided lites (TDL) gives each unit authentic traditional divided panes often found in historical projects. It is available only on Heritage Series products.

Interior removable wood grilles offer aesthetic flexibility, as well as easy cleaning. They are available only on wood products.

Construction & Benefits

Built with full surround frame and bars that interlock at the joints for stability

Applied to interior of window using exclusive hidden clip system

Offer the ability to change styles by removing the grilles

Can easily be removed to clean the glass

Species: pine (standard), other wood species (option)

Bar Profiles & Widths

Interior bar profiles: beveled (standard), and ovolo (option)

Optional bar widths: 7/8", 1-1/8", and custom

Factory Finishes

Prefinishing available to match interior finish of entire unit (option)

NOTE: If ovolo bar profile is chosen, glazing beads will be ovolo to match. If a finish is requested, it will be applied to both sides of the grille; i.e., the sides seen from the interior and exterior will be finished the same. Primer is not available on grilles.

*For triple pane units, the bars are held within the exterior airspace. GIA are not available on Ultra or Heritage Series Sterling Double Hungs, Studio Units, or Sliding Patio Doors with triple pane glass.

Option - FSC Certified Wood

Exterior Finish/Colors

Primer

Most Heritage Series windows, patio door and wood door frames are coated on the exterior with latex primer as standard, ready for your choice of topcoat.

Option

Heritage Series wood swinging door panels are unfinished as standard, but can be primed on the exterior.

Option - K-Kron II Exterior Finish

K-Kron II colors are available for most Heritage Series wood products and the panels of Fiberglass doors. It is a three-step process: 1) Wood pieces are immersed in a treatment for protection from water, insects and fungus, 2) A high performance urethane primer is applied to help seal the wood and provide a tough bonding surface, 3) the topcoat finish is applied using an airless, control-spray system that ensures complete, consistent coverage. (Learn more). Kolbe offers an extensive array of colors, as well as custom colors.

NOTE: Please make color selections using actual samples from your local dealer. For custom colors, please provide a sample to your dealer.

Option - Wire Brush Finish

Wire brushing creates a rugged texture and adds character to wood units

The perfect option to complement any rustic-style home

NOTE: Due to the nature of wire brushing certain limitations apply. Talk to your Kolbe dealer for more information.

Exterior Trim

Option - Exterior Wood Trim

Accentuate the beauty of your windows with exterior wood brickmould, casing, and/or sill nosing. It is Pine as standard, but may be requested in other wood species. The exterior will be finished to match the rest of the window or door unless requested otherwise. (Those shown are finished with K-Kron II in Natural Cotton.)

Interior Finish/Colors

Standard - Unfinished

Option - Factory-Applied Primer

Primer prepares your windows and doors for a beautiful, painted finish to be completed on the job site

NOTE: Limitations may apply; contact your local Kolbe dealer for more information.

Option - Factory-Applied Clear Coat or Stain

Double Clear Coat

Let the natural beauty of the wood show with a durable clear finish. Note that when a double clear coat is requested without stain, a durable, solvent-based finish will be used.

Stain

Water-based stain is applied, then two coats of clear, water-based satin finish are applied to help protect the stain. The wood is lightly sanded between the coats. Custom stain colors may be requested.

Cherry

Chestnut

Coffee Bean

Ebony

Library Red

Light Oak 998

Red Wheat

Spiced Walnut

Sunset Oak

Wheat

Double Coat Clear

NOTE: On-screen images of interior finishes may vary from actual colors. Stain colors shown on pine. Selections should be made based on actual color samples. Limitations may apply; contact your local Kolbe dealer for more information.

Option - Factory-Applied Paint

After being factory-primed, a topcoat of water-based, acrylic type latex paint is applied.

Note that it is possible to obtain paint through any Sherwin-Williams retail store in the United States and Canada that is color-matched to Kolbe's interior colors. Just mention the name of the Kolbe interior paint finish, and they will have the color formula on file.

Custom interior colors may be requested by supplying a paint sample.

Ultra Pure White

Bright White

Abalone

Silk

Ivory Tusk

Natural Cotton

Misty Gray

Graystone

Coal Black

NOTE: On-screen images of interior finishes may vary from actual colors. Selections should be made based on actual color samples. Limitations may apply; contact your local Kolbe dealer for more information.

Option - Factory-Applied Wire Brush Finish

Wire brushing creates a rugged texture and adds character to wood units

The perfect option to complement any rustic-style home

NOTE: Due to the nature of wire brushing certain limitations apply; contact your local Kolbe dealer for more information.

Option - Corner Blocks

Sizes, Drawings, Clear Opening Charts, Specifications

Sizes, Architectural Data & Drawings

This information is not available at this time. If you require the information, you may be able to obtain it by special request through your local Kolbe dealer or Regional Manager. To find this information, go to Where to Buy. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Energy Data

FSC Certification

Option - FSC Certified Wood

Kolbe® has been granted Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody Certification, as have many of our distributors.

The FSC is an international organization dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world's forests. FSC certification ensures that the wood in products come from well-managed forests which meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. Chain-of-Custody is the path taken from the forest to the consumer – including each stage of transformation, manufacturing, storage and transport involving a change of ownership of the material or product.

Independent certification bodies assess chain of custody operations against FSC standards, review a company's qualifications, and award FSC certificates when operations are in full compliance. Certificates are valid for five years; however, according to FSC policy, the third party certification body must verify continued compliance. Kolbe has been awarded certification through Scientific Certification Systems, Inc. (SCS), which will conduct surveillance audits to reconfirm Kolbe's compliance on an annual basis.

Kolbe Products Available with FSC Certified Wood

FSC certified wood is an option on many Kolbe window and door products. Wood species available include alder, cherry, fir, mahogany, maple, oak, pine, walnut and other wood species. These products will be constructed using solid or edge-glued material, except for radius units.

Standard and impact performance Kolbe products available with this option include:

Heritage Series windows and doors (wood interior and exterior, includes Craftsman doors and Old World Classic double hungs)

FSC certified products can contribute points toward certification for LEED, Green Globes, and other green building programs. Kolbe will be happy to help architects and builders demonstrate their commitment to the environment by offering FSC-certified wood. By relying on certified architects and builders, homeowners can ensure that their project is built true to green initiatives.

Finish Performance

K-Kron II Finish Performance

High performance finish

Resists ultraviolet deterioration and chalking, chemical attack, as well as damage from salt, wind, sleet and snow

Before assembly, wood pieces of the window or door are immersed in a treatment with both an insecticide and a fungicide -- helping the exterior wood surfaces resist decay. This treatment meets standards set by WDMA I.S.4-2000.

The windows or doors are assembled. Before installing the glass, two coats of a specially-formulated urethane primer by Akzo Nobel is applied -- helping to seal the wood and provide a bonding surface for the final topcoat. The primer is applied using a controlled-spray process which follows WDMA T.M. 11-2000 guidelines.

Finally, a high performance urethane topcoat is applied. An airless, multi-step, controlled-spray system ensures complete, consistent coverage of the exterior wood surfaces. The result? Beautifully protected windows and doors.

Includes definitions and illustrations of various window and/or door components, operating & maintenance procedures for Kolbe products, cleaning products, reinstallation of removable sash, and care of hardware. Also includes frequently-asked questions about windows and/or doors, as well as information about condensation in relation to windows and doors.